Email to OK Senate repub leader re: proposed gay marriage amendment

[guitar man]

I posted this down in our stste forum, but I thought everyone might enjoy reading it. This is a letter I sent to James Williamson, Oklahoma Senate Republican leader and the sponsor of a proposed amendment to the State Constitution which would,by ballot initiative, ban gay marriage and also refuse to recognize gay marriages from other states. I threw a little "Devil's Advocate" in for good measure.

<snip>



Senator Williamson,


I am writing to you in regards to the proposed State Constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage and also not recognize gay marriages from other states. Since you are the sponsor of this bill, I wanted to address these concerns directly to you. I am a happily married heterosexual male and I must say that I am STRONGLY opposed to such an amendment.

As a heterosexual,it would seem that I shouldn't have an ax to grind over this issue. However, as a Liberal Democrat, I am interested in equal protection for EVERYONE under the Constitution of The United States, even those we might disagree with. I always view changes to the law that seek to deprive people of their rights with a certain amount of trepidation, because once one group is denied rights, it is all too easy to deny another group of theirs,and another, and another.

Assuming you didn't delete this email as soon as you read the words "Liberal Democrat", I would like to address the issue a little further if I might.

I know the US Constitution is an annoying, if not offensive document to those who belong to the Christian Conservative political persuasion. I can certainly understand their attitude toward the document since it plainly prohibits the creation of the Christian theocratic state they so adamantly desire. Considering the number of Christian conservatives in Oklahoma, it is obvious that if this bill comes up to a vote of the people, a virtual "slam dunk" at the polls is assured.

I am also sure the fact that this type of legislation will create second class citizens is of no consequence to those who will vote for it. This group has thus far managed to browbeat this state into catering to their every whim, and I am sure the current political situation on the National level has them especially energized right now. Dictating to others and the concept of dictatorship certainly seem to be en vogue right now.

With everything considered, I would like to introduce an idea along the lines of a compromise since this state seems hell-bent on making homosexuals into second class citizens in spite of the Constitution. These provisions should be written into the bill and the voters should be VERY CLEARLY informed of these provisions before they go to vote.

1. Homosexuals are second class or "diminished" citizens as a result of this law. As such,they are to be taxed at a substantially reduced rate for all state,county and local taxes,including all sales taxes,vehicle tags and property taxes turnpike toll booths. Tax rates will be increased on the heterosexual "first class" citizens to make up for any revenue lost due to said reductions.

2. Homosexuals,as second class or "diminished" citizens must, in the case of civil or criminal court cases requiring a jury, have the option of having an all homosexual jury judge their case,since a jury of one's peers is required by our system of justice. Conversely,homosexuals may not be compelled to serve on juries in judgement of heterosexuals.

I know provision number one opens up the possibility of heterosexuals claiming to be gay in order to get the tax breaks. Oh well,I guess it would be a small price to pay to protect the "sanctity of marriage".

I know my proposal sounds preposterous,but the whole idea of this proposed amendment sounds preposterous to me. The fact of the matter is, Gay marriage doesn't deprive ANY other citizen of their rights to life, liberty, property or pursuit of happiness. The whole idea of making laws to deny ANY group or individual of their rights in the 21st century is entirely absurd and I sincerely hope you will think this over and reconsider what you and the Oklahoma legislature are proposing.


Sincerely,

[BR_Parkway]

1. I like the whole reduced taxes strategy! n/t

[guitar man]

2. That would stop it in its tracks

You tell Oklahoma right wingers their taxes might get raised and their heads will explode!